When one of your household appliances breaks down, it can throw off your entire routine. Whether it’s a refrigerator that won’t cool, a washing machine that stops spinning, or a dishwasher that leaks water all over your kitchen floor, the decision to repair or replace the appliance can be a bit difficult. Many homeowners are left wondering: Do I repair it or just replace it? Let’s break down the key things to consider:
Understanding Appliance Repair Costs
Appliance repair costs vary based on the issue, the age of the appliance, and the type of machine. This is not a set rule and may vary depending on your location, but most repair technicians will charge between $75 to $100 per hour for labor. Emergency repairs during the weekends or after hours, will run up to $200 per hour. There are also components that must be ordered and installed, which are tacked on to the final cost.
This naturally raises the question: Why are appliance repairs so expensive? It's the time and skill that goes into diagnosing the issue, locating the correct part, and making the repair safely and effectively. In most situations, especially with newer appliances that contain computerized components, do-it-yourself repairs just aren't practical or safe to undertake. That’s where calling a professional would be the best avenue to take. Locally, Excellence Appliance Repair has experience repairing refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers, and their technicians are trained to do the job effectively and correctly.
The 50% Rule: When to Replace
A rule of thumb in the appliance industry is the "50% rule". If your appliance is more than 50% of the way through its designed lifespan, or repairing it would take more than 50% of the price of a new appliance, replacement is usually the best choice.
Let’s look at the average lifespans of some major appliances:
-
Refrigerators: 10–15 years
-
Dishwashers: 8–12 years
-
Washing machines: 8–12 years
-
Dryers: 10–13 years
-
Ovens/Stoves: 10–15 years
If your 10-year-old fridge requires a $600 fix and a new one costs $1,200, it may be time to replace. But if a 3-year-old dishwasher has a simple $100 problem, repairing is probbly the smarter option.
Most Frequent Appliances Requiring Repairs
Some appliances simply break more often than others. According to industry statistics and consumer surveys, the following are the top five appliances most likely to require repair:
-
Refrigerators – Issues often include compressor problems, leaks, or faulty thermostats.
-
Washers and Dryers – The motors, belts, and door switches are the most popular repairs.
-
Dishwashers – Drainage problems and faulty control panel are the most frequent issues.
-
Ovens/Stoves – Ignition system failure or heating element failure is the most common.
-
Air Conditioning Units – Leaking refrigerant, clogged filters, and malfunctioning thermostats are possible problems.
DIY vs. Professional Appliance Repair
It can be tempting to repair an appliance yourself—especially with so many online tutorials available, but remember that videos are edited and what seems very simple on a youtube video can be very different in reality. Simple tasks like replacing a refrigerator light bulb or clearing out a dishwasher’s filter can be handled by most homeowners. But more complex repairs, such as replacing internal components or rewiring a control panel, are better left to the experts.
Consumer Reports provides a helpful online tool that considers your appliance’s age, repair cost, and the price of a new unit. You can access it here: Consumer Reports Repair vs. Replace Tool. It uses actual consumer data to provide you with a tailored recommendation and can be an excellent resource when deciding.